Star Trek is a popular American TV show created by Gene Roddenberry that first aired in 1966 and dealt with space travel and exploration. After the conclusion of the first series, “phase two” of the television series was being considered in 1977, but was ultimately abandoned a year later for a Star Trek movie, known as Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The movie had constant obstacles to its commercial success with less than 15 months between the start of filming and the scheduled release date, which was later pushed back six months to December 7, 1979. The script was also constantly revised, sometimes daily. The original budget of $15 million had risen to $42 million by the time Paramount had finished filming and editing, though fan loyalty ensured the film was a commercial success, earning $139 million in theatres.

As of 2019, the Star Trek franchise consists of six television series with two more in production, thirteen movies, an animated series, and merchandise of many types. The Original Series was also notable for having a diverse cast during the 1960s, when this was still considered controversial.